The problem of high uric acid (Hyperuricemia) has become so common that around 1 out of 5 people have it. Besides just the normal joint pain and redness, when uric acid is left untreated for a long period, it can cause several life-threatening complications such as joint deformity, gouty arthritis, kidney stones, or permanent kidney failure.
Painkillers seem to be an easy solution to the concern, but in reality, they do nothing except make your condition worse. The best uric acid treatment is available in Ayurveda which mainly incorporates certain easy, home-based, and herbal remedies.
Reading today’s blog unfolds some of such proven home remedies that if patients try, they can have relief. But before we start discussing uric acid treatment at home, let’s have a quick understanding of the meaning of uric acid.
WHAT IS URIC ACID?
Uric acid is the bypass or waste product that is produced during the breakdown of purines found in your meals. Often it is dissolved in the bloodstream and gets eliminated through the urine. But if for some reason, there is an excess amount of uric acid being produced and stored in the body, then it is a matter of concern.
Below are the figures mentioned that indicate normal, high, and low ranges of uric acid in both men and women:
|
Uric Acid Levels |
Men |
Women |
|---|---|---|
|
High |
> 7 mg/dL |
> 6 mg/dL |
|
Normal |
2.5 - 7 mg/dL |
1.5 - 6 mg/dL |
|
Low |
< 2 mg/dL |
< 1.5 mg/dL |
Uric acid, identical to gout is termed Vata rakta in Ayurvedic textbooks. Uric acid treatment in Ayurveda is based on purifying the blood and successfully eliminating all the excessive uric acid from the body following dietary changes and herbal remedies.
Herbal Remedies to control uric acid at home
For centuries, mankind has been blessed through the holistic healing of nature- Ayurveda. It is a 5000+ years old restorative measure that incorporates herbal remedies, dietary changes/precautions, lifestyle adjustments, yoga, meditation, and Panchakarma.
Unlike other treatment options, the aim of Ayurveda is to find and treat the root cause of the disease and yield long-term relief for the patient. For uric acid control, the 7 best herbal remedies are mentioned below:
1. Triphala
Prepared by taking 3 potent herbs, namely Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki in equal proportion, Triphala works as one of the best home remedies for uric acid control.
If possible, you can make triphala powder at home. Otherwise, it is available in the market in the form of powders, tablets, and capsules. You can try them. But make sure they are pure and contain no chemicals.
How to use it?
On a routine basis, take 1-2 spoons of triphala powder along with lukewarm water or honey. Prefer taking it an hour before having your meals.
Benefits:
- Alleviate joint inflammation
- Reduce gout symptoms
-
Enhance metabolism
2. Giloy
The herb is used commonly in several Ayurvedic preparations. The juice extracted from giloy stems has shown several positive results when given to uric acid patients.
Beyond just treating the joint pain and redness accompanied by uric acid, the routine consumption of giloy is also helpful for reducing the risk of other complications such as gout, kidney stone formation, and permanent kidney damage.
How to use it?
Simply soak a handful of giloy leaves and stems in the water overnight. The next day, boil this mixture in a glass of water. Let it simmer until the water gets half. Now strain the leaves/stems and enjoy your herbal drink.
Benefits:
- Helps easy detoxification
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves digestion
3. Turmeric
In India, we commonly call it “Haldi” and it is a routine ingredient in our daily meals. The nature of turmeric is anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-bacterial and it can benefit uric acid patients to a large extent.
The compound called “curcumin” found in turmeric is used in the preparation of several kinds of medications which are further used for intense disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and so on.
How to use it?
The best way to have turmeric is to mix 1-2 tsp of turmeric powder into warm milk. The best time to have it will be before going to bed. Otherwise, you may simply add it to your routine meals.
Benefits:
- Reduce joint pain, swelling, and redness
- Fight back viral infections and bacteria
- Prevent possible liver damage
4. Neem
The taste of neem may be bitter but when it comes to helping the body, it always works wonderfully. Through its natural blood-purifying properties, it filters out the excessive uric acid from the bloodstream.
High in healthy antioxidants, they further support the proper rejuvenation of the system following the successful elimination of waste products throughout the body.
How to use it?
Into a mixer, add a handful of neem leaves and 1 glass of water and blend it well. After that, strain the leaves and drink the juice. Additionally, an herbal paste of neem leaves can be prepared and applied to the joints that are inflamed, red, or painful due to high uric acid.
Benefits:
- Helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body.
- Reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints.
-
Supports weight management and promotes healthy joints.
5. Ashwagandha
It is a potent adaptogen that can highly help in high uric acid treatment. It has several such compounds through which your whole body can be benefitted.
When combined with herbs such as milk thistle (doodh patra), holy basil (tulsi), and hibiscus (Gudhal), etc, it becomes a marvellous remedy that helps to reduce uric acid build-up in the body.
How to use it?
Simply take ¼ to ½ tsp. of ashwagandha powder after having your meals. Prefer taking it with lukewarm water/milk and half an hour before going to bed.
Benefits:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Slow down joint degradation
- Balance Vata dosha
6. Shallaki
For different types of arthritis, the use of shallaki is advised by Ayurveda experts. The vata-dosha shamak nature and blood-purifying properties of shallaki reduce the level of toxins (ama) in the body and further prevent their accumulation.
When consumed in the right manner, it initiates a renewed energy in your body and protects it from possible damage no matter if it is due to excessive uric acid or any other cause.
How to use it?
For uric acid patients, often the consumption of ¼ to ½ tsp. of shallaki powder along with lukewarm water is advised. The best time to have shallaki is after having your meals. If powder is not available, then shallaki tablets can also be taken.
Benefits:
- Better supply of blood to the joints
- Maintains gut health
- Strengthens bones and cartilage
7. Punarnava
Last but not least, Ayurvedic uric acid treatment recommends the usage of punarnava- a herb known well for its healing and overall body wellness properties.
Once this amazing herb gets inside your body, it starts to work on eliminating all the excessive uric acid and other harmful waste materials through natural ways. Furthermore, its digestion-improving and diuretic nature, makes it a wise choice for all patients who are dealing with uric acid, kidney stones, or urinary tract problems.
How to use it?
With 1 glass of lukewarm water, ¼ - ½ teaspoon of punarnava churana twice a day is often advised by the experts for uric acid patients.
Benefits:
- Increase the natural flow of urine.
- Improves overall digestion and kidney functioning.
- Rejuvenates the liver through its shodhan property.
Dietary tips for Uric acid patients:
Patients are highly advised to reduce the intake of purine-rich items in their diet. It mainly includes pulses, spinach, cauliflower, non-vegetarian food, and beer. Additionally, the consumption of fried, oily, processed, stale, and frozen items should be avoided as they can also aggravate uric acid levels.
Then what to eat?
Below are the names of some foods that reduce uric acid and patients can add them to their routine:
- FRUITS = Grapefruit, cherries, oranges, pineapples, bananas, melon, kiwi, and strawberries.
- VEGETABLES = Broccoli, cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and pumpkin.
- HERBS = Turmeric, ginger, garlic, giloy, coriander, tulsi, triphala, gugguli, neem, and cumin.
-
BEVERAGES = Herbal drinks, fresh vegetable juices, and soups.
Takeaway
Uric acid is a waste product in the body that is often harmless and dissolves into the bloodstream or is eliminated through the urine. However, an excessive production of uric acid can be dangerous and may harm you in multiple ways. Negligence towards timely treatment seems identical to pushing yourself steps closer to serious concerns like kidney stones, kidney failure, joint pain, deformity, gouty arthritis, or urinary tract infections.
Ayurveda has the best offering for this concern. With some Ayurvedic medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, an effort is made to reduce uric acid naturally. Countless patients have admitted a significant reduction of uric acid within a few months of Ayurvedic treatment. If you also want to join this healed patient queue, then surely consult the experts at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda.
